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Schoolteacher Joleen Diaz, 43, and daughter Meilani Parks, 19, from California, not only look extremely similar in age, but also enjoy an enviably close relationship.

Single mum Joleen puts her youthful glow down to good old-fashioned clean living and she said she started taking care of her skin when she was just 12-years-old.

“I’ve always lived a healthy, active lifestyle. I rarely drink alcohol, I get a lot of rest, and eat a balanced, healthy diet,” Joleen said.

People regularly think mum Joleen Diaz, 43, left, is the sister of her 19-year-old daughter Meilani

The mum, left, and daughter, right, have a 23-year age gap between them. 

“I religiously take care of my skin and everyday wash my face in the morning and before I go to bed.”

The mum and daughter enjoy a tight bond and teenager Meilani is flattered when people mistake them for sisters.

“I don’t think she minds. We are very close. We do lots of things together — travel, shop, work out,” mum Joleen said.

“And sometimes just lay on the couch and talk.

“While she was growing up, she would often hear people tell me they thought my mother was my sister.

“I was pretty young when I had her, so it’s not entirely impossible that we could be sisters.”

Joleen says she lives a healthy, active lifestyle and rarely drinks alcohol.

The mum, left, and daughter, right, enjoy a tight bond and do most things together.

Joleen said one of the secrets to her looking the same age as her daughter was starting early with skincare.

The teacher said she washes her face in the morning and before she goes to bed to maintain her age-defying look. 

‘SECRET’ TO AGE-DEFYING LOOKS

Joleen also said one of the secrets to her looking the same age as her daughter was starting early with skincare.

“Living in California, sun protection is naturally key,” the Californian mum explained.

“I absolutely use sunscreen, every day, even on cloudy, rainy days. I also use a vitamin C serum day and night.”

Joleen has already started Meilani on the same rigorous routine.

“Having good skin gives me confidence, even on the days I don’t look my best,” she said.

Joleen, left, pictured with mum Joanne, centre, and daughter Meilani, right. 

In addition to products, Joleen reckons a generally relaxed attitude is also key to staying youthful.

In addition to products, Joleen said a generally relaxed attitude is also key to staying youthful.

“I’m pretty pragmatic, and try not to worry too much about the past or anticipate worries in the future.”

Joleen and her partner split up amicably 13 years ago — but the family still get along, and regularly holiday together.

“I live a pretty simple life and I’m content with what I have,” Joleen said.

Despite her youthful looks, Joleen isn’t one to tag along with her daughter to clubs or parties.

“Meilani and I have never gone clubbing or partying together. And I don’t foresee us doing that anytime in the near future.”

Joleen, right, isn’t one to tag along with her daughter to clubs or parties. 

But the pair do other things together, from shopping to working out.

“I’ve had my share of doing both — these days I’d rather stay home, drink a nice cup of hot tea, and watch a good movie.”

Social media users have been quick to share their confusion with many in disbelief at the reality of the relationship.

“If you’re her mum … You are officially the hottest mum in the world!” one Instagram user commented on a photo of the youthful looking mum.

“Are you really a mum???” a second stunned user asked, while another said: “Who had who at this point”.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission